Gardens and conservatories are great ways to explore a bit of nature within the Boston city limits with your kids in tow. Get the whole family outdoors for exercise, education, and entertainment as you watch wildlife and investigate interesting plants and trees. Or, relax with a picnic and a leisurely stroll. Regardless of the season, there's always something to see at these year-round green spaces. Do you have a favorite garden or conservatory around Boston to visit as a family?
Garden in the Woods
Tracy Snyder Molina: Garden in the Woods is a botanical garden set on 45 acres including 2 miles of walking paths that meander by rare and common native plants, a pond, wooded bog, several springs, and a brook. There are also many fun exhibits for adults and children to enjoy.
The Garden at Elm Bank
Tracy Snyder Molina: Located on 36-acres in the historic Elm Bank Reservation, the gardens and horticultural center include open fields and meadows, streams and pools, wooded areas and formal gardens and are perfect for walking, hiking and exploring. The kids will love to check out the whimsical Weezie’s Garden for Children which was designed as a series of small spiraling gardens, each with its own theme and unique way of engaging the senses.
Wellesley College Botanic Gardens
Erynn: Together, the Alexandra Botanic Garden and the H. H. Hunnewell Arboretum house trees and shrubs from across the world in habitats that include a maple swamp, meadow, and multiple types of forests. There is also a butterfly garden and Edible Ecosystem Teaching Garden.
You can arrange a docent-guided tour by calling the college. Alternatively, take a self-guided tour!
MIT Endicott House
Erin P.: MIT Endicott House is a French chateau-style mansion that was built in 1934. It is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds. There are walking trails through the gardens that feature, depending on the season, tulips, geraniums, begonias, fuchsia, marigolds, lantana, poinsettias, calceolaria and orchids. Their trees include tall pine, rhododendron and dogwood.
Arnold Arboretum
Tracy Snyder Molina: The Arnold Arboretum is a gorgeous place to get out and enjoy nature right in the city. It is the oldest public arboretum and maintained by Harvard University. The main trail is a paved 2-mile walk and perfect for strollers. Yet another option is the Rhododendron Path which has a log bridge and two waterfalls to enjoy. Each season brings its own beauty at the Arboretum, especially the Lilac Festival every May.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Erynn: Over 15,000 living plants inhabit Arnold Arboretum- from azaleas to rose trees to a conifer collection, there's plenty for nature enthusiasts to explore. Meander through the Arboretum, or take a self-guided tour to add an educational element to the trip for you and the kids!
James P. Kelleher Rose Garden
Erynn: The garden's luxurious roses give it its name, but it also features plenty of greenery, small sculptures, and a water feature. This small park beckons to picnickers and those looking for beautiful botanical photography opportunities.
Fenway Victory Gardens
Erynn: With a rich history dating back to 1942, this literal Victory Garden has continuously remained open since its creation following World War II. During the war, this garden produced vegetables and other produce. Now, the Fenway Victory Gardens span seven acres and include 500 garden plots cultivated by community members and organizations.
Boston residents can even apply for their own garden plot (there is currently a wait list)!
Berkeley Community Garden
Erynn: This community garden is open to the public seven days a week and spans a full city block- the ideal location for an out-of-the-city while in the city walk! A grassy area invites you to take a rest, or you can read up ahead of time on what the garden grows and see the specimens in person.
Boston Public Garden
Erynn: Boston's Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America and is still an ideal spot to take a family stroll and soak in nature. Unusual plants, water features, and Swan Boats offer plenty of outdoor enjoyment. Whimsical bridges cross the small river, a duck pond attracts feathery friends, and nature lovers will appreciate tree labels that denote each variety.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
Erynn: In addition to its cultural and entertainment appeal, the Greenway also features plenty of greenery to engage nature lovers of all stripes. The plants and landscapes in the Greenway range from bamboo in Chinatown to European-inspired perennials in the North End. See what's in bloom before you go, or connect to the free Wi-Fi while you explore and surf while you sight see.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Erynn: This park is located between the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and the Boston Harbor and houses 4.5 acres of landscaped garden areas. A lighted trellis, trees, and the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden attract photographers and those looking for a leisurely stroll. A jungle gym will appeal to kids, and in warmer weather, the sprinklers will beckon with some wet fun!
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